Chapter 45

“Jasper!” I screamed, suddenly sitting up in bed. “I’m right here,” Jasper whispered, pulling me close and softly soothing my ear. “It’s so terrifying—so many hands on me…” I cried out in hysterical sobs, though the familiar, fresh scent of him brought me a small measure of comfort. “It’s okay, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid—I’m right by your side. You’re safe,” he murmured, holding me tight, his throat shaking with barely contained emotion. In his arms, I wept uncontrollably as he simply held me while I poured out my despair. Exhausted from crying, I choked out, “I feel so hopeless…” “It’s as if my very existence was a mistake—no one was waiting for me…” I managed between sobs, “But when I learned the truth, the pain didn’t hurt as much… as if, at last, everything had a reason…” “Now I have no reason to live. After all these years, what have I been living for?” I whispered, eyes closed and tears streaming down my face. “Then live for yourself, or for me—just please, hang o